Christmas Break

The kids have been having a wonderful time on Christmas break! Last night our friends Eric and Lisa came over to play Wii. Garrett rocks at Wii Resort Swordplay and devastated our friends. Today he played the computer for about hour and only lost twice, and is borderline pro status already. Today we played outside in the snow after lunch. The snow princess, bear, and fort we made earlier in the week are all ice. A fact my little man learned the hard way with his face, left side of the poor kid's face is road-rash. Poor guy. Claire had fun staking chunks of ice from the street plow into snowmen in the neighbors yards. Tonight we had plenty of family snuggle time watching movies.

Change of Christmas plans

Well it's official. Thanks to the weather we're staying put in Ames for Christmas this year. It's difficult because we're on the rainy side of the winter storm. However our destinations are iced and snowed in and we'd be hard pressed to make all 7 hours of our journey without incident. They're talking a foot plus snow just 15 miles from here, so it's tough. Well, the kids still wanted to get out some holiday cheer this year so we made a few quick videos last night that I'm posting here. Hoping everyone is staying put someplace warm and safe this year, and have a very Merry Christmas and celebration of the birth of Christ.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! Another year as passed and it's time to take a moment to remember the reason behind Christmas and the celebration. It's also a special family time, a time to slow down and reflect on the true gifts we've been given. Claire and Garrett are our greatest joy and they bring smiles to our faces even on the toughest days. Both continue to grow, learn, and always make us proud.

Claire started kindergarten this year, and is starting to read and write. Gone are her imaginary stories of Penny the Dog and Tiger Dragon, now she expresses her artistic side through drawings, crafts, and dancing. She continues to take dance lessons, and has learned to swim in deep water this year. During summer vacation she learned to kayak and ride her bike without training wheels.
Garrett started preschool this fall and absolutely loves it. In a room of peers your realize just how big he's going to become. Garrett took swim and soccer lessons this year and loves riding his bike, playing video games, and solving puzzles.
From our family to your's, may you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Walk Through Bethlehem

What an odd week. Sunday the kids traveled back in time to about 2000bc. There they met Sara and Abraham, then moved forward in time to meet Isaac, then further ahead to meet shepard's, olive farmers, fishermen, wise men, beggars and outcasts overcome with leprosy, overwhelmed inn keepers, market place vendors, and eventually made our way to a couple with a new born child in a manger. Yes, it was the annual Walk Through Bethlehem at our church. What a great event and it continues to improve and evolve over time. The costumes are elaborate, the roll playing well rehearsed, and storyline you must hear. Fast forward from there to current times, 48 hours ago the weather was delightful and we'd seen no significant snow for the season. Today I've shoveled my driveway 4 times, we have 11.4" inches of snow, with more snow on the way. School let out early today and is already canceled for tomorrow. Claire cannot wait for her first snow day. Dad has the next two days of as required furlough so much fun shall be had.

Wizard of Oz

Tonight we took Claire to the Wizard of Oz show at Stephens Auditorium. On the way in she had the biggest smile on her face. She thoroughly enjoyed the show, which was very well done and geared well toward kids. She loved Dorothy and they used a live dog for Toto that caught her attention every time. The cast was great, I especially enjoyed the Lion. Only problem was the show did not start until 7:30 which makes it tough on kids bedtimes. Garrett got to stay home with one of his favorite babysitters.